Abstract:SummaryAnimal-pollinated plants have to get pollen to a conspecific stigma while protecting it from getting eaten. We provide experimental evidence that touch-sensitive stamens function in (i) enhancing pollen export and (ii) reducing pollen loss to thieves. Stamens of Berberis and Mahonia are inserted between paired nectar glands and when touched by an insect’s tongue rapidly snap forward so that their valvate anthers press pollen on the insect’s tongue or face. We immobilized the stamens in otherwise unmodif… Show more
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